She had no idea how long they stayed locked in each other’s arms, but there would never be enough time to show Noah how much he meant to her.
The sound of an engine cut through the still night air.
Cassie buried her head in Noah’s shoulder as the headlights of another vehicle found them. She had no idea what her guests in Acorn Cottage would think but, for the first time in her life, she didn’t care.
After they’d gone, she rubbed her nose along Noah’s jaw, grinning at his sharp, in-drawn breath. “I feel like I’m in high school,” she whispered.
Noah wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled. “It’s just as well we aren’t. Granddad would have grounded me for life if I’d kissed a girl like that.”
Cassie looked up. “Did you have a girlfriend in high school?”
“I didn’t date anyone until I was in my last year of college. I was too focused on passing my exams.”
For some reason, that made Cassie feel a whole lot better. She ran her hands along the front of Noah’s jacket. “I didn’t date anyone until I was nineteen. His name was Robert and he’d just graduated from the Otis College of Art and Design. I thought he was amazing.”
Noah’s eyebrows rose. “What happened to him?”
“He decided he liked accounting graduates better than art students.” Cassie returned Noah’s smile. “Breaking up with him was the best thing that ever happened to me. I created a new jewelry collection based around my broken heart.”
“Do you always look for the silver linings?”
She thought about Noah’s question, about the choices she’d made in her life. “I guess I do. Life is too short to focus on negative things.” She rested her head against Noah’s. “What do we do next?”
Noah gently stroked the side of her face. “I know what I’d like to do, but it isn’t a good idea.”
“Why?” She looked into Noah’s eyes. In their depths she saw the calm, focused, strength of a man who knew what he wanted. And right now, he wanted her.
“Not that long ago I signed a contract for my company to work with you. I need to keep my personal and professional life separate, at least for now.”
“I’m confused. How will we do that if we’re in a relationship?”
“With great difficulty.” Noah held her hands. “I can’t be your contact person at Wilson Enterprises, Cassie. I have a manager called Jacqueline. She has a lot of experience in the jewelry industry and will be able to help you more than I can.”
A heavy weight settled in her stomach. “Does that mean you won’t call me as often as you were?”
“It means when we call each other, I won’t be reminding you about deadlines and all the other things that go into producing a collection. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make what’s happening between us work. I love you.”
Cassie hugged him close. She didn’t know what the future held for them but, as long as they loved each other, it didn’t matter.
The following day,Noah stood on the edge of what would be the tiny home village. He was proud of the decision his company’s trust had made, but it was only the beginning of what needed to happen if the village were to be built.
When he’d met with Pastor John, they’d gone over the events the fundraising committee was planning. But even the country music festival wouldn’t give them the capital they’d need to complete the project.
The only thing that would provide a fully functioning village was corporate sponsorship. His company’s trust couldn’t invest more money in the project, but they could help Willow with the proposal she was putting together.
This morning, Willow was taking photos of the site. Wilson Enterprises’ marketing team would take those images and digitally add the architects’ vision of the tiny homes. Prospective funders would see exactly what the village would look like and how their money would be spent.
“What do you think of this angle?” Willow asked.
He smiled as Cassie studied the images on the laptop. With her dark hair falling around her shoulders and a bright purple sweater wrapped around her waist, she could have been anyone enjoying a Sunday morning walk. But she wasn’t anyone. She was Cassie Harper—a talented jeweler and the woman he loved.
“It makes the property look huge. Using a drone was a great idea.” Cassie looked at Willow. “Are the images usually so clear?”
“I use a high definition lens in my camera. As long as the weather cooperates, the images are as good as anything you’ll find.” Willow moved the lever on the remote control panel a little to the right. “If Noah’s staff use the photos and video in the village’s marketing package, it will attract a lot of new sponsors.”
That’s what Noah was hoping, too. “Where did you find the drone?”
Willow’s quick smile made him think there was a whole lot more to her than what she’d told him. “I used it for a client who wanted photos of the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. I still use it, but usually when I’m away from people and their property.” She brought the drone closer and landed it at their feet. “That should be enough video for now. I’ll take a few more photos and then email everything to Wilson Enterprises. If there’s anything else you need, let me know.”
